Unarmed Madagascar soldiers went door-to-door in the capital Antananarivo, doling out sachets of a local herbal tea touted by President Andry Rajoelina as a powerful remedy against the novel coronavirus.
Baptised Covid-Organics, the tonic is derived from artemisia -- a plant with proven efficacy in treating malaria -- as well as other indigenous herbs.
It has been developed by the Madagascar Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) but has not been tested internationally.
"This herbal tea gives results in seven days," Rajoelina announced at its official launch on Tuesday.
"We can change the history of the entire world," he said, after downing a dose. "Two people have now been cured by this treatment."